Quim Fernàndez, member of Mataró Cultural, talks with the current Director of the Archive Museum of Santa Maria, Center for Local Studies of Mataró, Nicholas Guanyabens.

Nicolau Guanyabens has a master's degree in history from the University of Barcelona. Professionally, after a few years as a teacher, he works as a municipal archivist in the town of Montornès del Vallès. He is the author and co-author of several books and publications, many of them dedicated to the city of Mataró, its history and its traditions.

Today, Guanyabens receives us as director of the Santa Maria Museum Archives at its headquarters.

At the beginning of the conversation you will learn about the origin of the Archive Museum of Santa Maria de Mataró, as well as how the current stage began.

You will also be able to get to know the three legs of the entity: the parish archive, the museum and the study center, which is part of the Catalan-speaking study centers. All this in charge of a volunteer team of lay people with a close relationship with the parish.

The rooms that house the archive and newspaper library are open to anyone interested on Thursday and Friday afternoons. In addition, various activities are organized on the ground floor. Regarding the museum, it is necessary to pre-arrange the visit through the website, although regular visits are being scheduled for the summer.

The main activity carried out as a Local Studies Center is the magazine "Full”, which already has 127 issues. A publication where many people collaborate, research professionals and scholars of local history, all selflessly.

The library estimates that it houses about 20,000 copies that arrive constantly. The religious book, literature and theater sections stand out, with one of the best collections of theater books. A library that does not, but which everyone is allowed to consult.

We invite you to follow the conversation to learn more about an organization that preserves our history and is open to the entire city.

Here you can listen to the entire program.